Lawmakers consider plan to build more reservoirs in state

ATLANTA - The first part of an ambitious bid to build more reservoirs in Georgia is flying through the state Capitol.

State Senator Chip Pearson's bill would allow the state to chip in as much as 20 percent to expand existing lakes and 40 percent to build new ones. It also creates a ``one stop shop'' for permits of new lakes.

It's a timely proposal. Georgia's epic drought prompted lawmakers to promise more reservoirs would be built to insulate the state from a water shortage.

Governor Perdue's proposed budget includes $70 million for reservoir construction.